Are K1MAN Bulletins Useful?

Is there anyone who gets value from the K1MAN "bulletins" that make their way onto the HF bands? I for one don't, but I suppose there may be some who do.

I'm not quite sure what to make of the intent of the transmissions, but they strike me as far more broadcasting than they do transmission of bulletins useful to amateur radio operators. Reading the notice of violations that were up until recently published with the alleged offenders' callsigns, I have noticed on a few occasions that the FCC has taken interest in the station and admit that has colored my view that perhaps the station operates on the edge.

Moreover, I had a brief e-mail exchange with K1MAN. Recently I was in conversation when the "bulletin" popped up with no warning and proceeded to cause harmful QRM to me as it began transmitting. I found an e-mail address on the web and sent an e-mail gently suggesting few people seem to get much use from it, and asking that K1MAN please QRT. I received a terse and seemingly sarcastic response to my Please QRT" note, which read "Please QSY."

Does anyone else have a view on the subject? I'll kindly change my view that the bulletins are more a source of QRM than they are useful information dissemination if I see others find value and purpose in them.

My take has always been that Baxter is one beer short of a six-pack, has a beef with the League, and so exercises his "right" to broadcast just like "they" do. W1AW is allowed to "broadcast" and there is a Part 97 clause that so notes it. It applies to K1MAN too, umm, technically.

We have Glenn, Fred W5YI, Wayne W2NSD, and several other very colorful folks in our hobby. I hear Herb Schoenbaum is back on the air. Rich Measures and Ton Rauch can sure duke it out about amplifier parasitics, Steve W2ML is in-and-out of the Newington power-base every other election, who's really behind the SETI League?, and many other fascinating examples of anthropology abound, right behind the little piece of paper from the FCC that we all have.

I had never heard of him before, so I checked out his web site. This guy has issues. Here is a VERY small part of an "editorial":

"....these three hams have been reportedly and illegally encouraged by Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, of the FCC, to intentionally interfere with K1MAN transmissions. This is an alleged felony."

Since when is it a felony to interfere with another hams transmission. Not that I condone intentional interference, but I didn't think it was a felony. I hope I don't get sued for copying part of his editorial and posting it here. I wonder if that's a felony?

- there are also a number of hams who seem to have fallen in love with their own voices on the air and drone on and on and on and on about voice quality (theirs)... some of these boneheads are the same hams who use 1KW when 100W would do, tune up on frequency without listening first (or asking if the frequency is in use)... unfortunately, par for the course nowadays...

- but hey, if the FCC wants to let these folks do thier thing...

- i have an idea:

Why not have *every* ham start a 'news bulletin' service? then you could have contests to see who could get on the air in-between 'broadcasts,' and points would be awarded for those who manage to exchange *any* information...

- i have to agree with some of the other posters here... a thorough review of any current medication schedule and a commitment to consider a regimen of mental health therapy might seem warranted in this case... especially to those of us who exhibit 'normative' behavior (off or on the air)...

I think it's obvious to the casual observer than K1MAN has a real problem with the ARRL. I also must say that when I've fallen across the Broadcasts on the air, that Icould have done without hearing them. I guess the real question is, can you let the ARRL do it but not anyone else? Clearly, if every ham (or even a large number of us), decided to start up our own Broadcast, something would have to be done. This is the problem with doing something just because you have the right to. I've seen this problem at work, and in everyday life. Everything goes along just fine as long as only 1 or 2 are doing it, but when everyone decides to jump into the fray, someones hand (the FCC in this case), gets forced. You should never do anything just because you can. Do it because you really want to, or because you really believe it's needed or useful. But never just because you can.

This nitwit has been intentionally interfering with the 3.977 western states S.A.T.E.R.N. net for several months. There has been lots of documentation and correspondence with Riley, but he has yet to do anything about it. What's the Holdup Riley? K1MAN doesn't listen to see if the frequency is occupied, he just throws the switch. I've heard he doesn't even use a reciever, just a transmitter. This guy needs his license revoked! 73.

§97.111(b) In addition to one-way transmissions specifically authorized elsewhere in this Part, an amateur station may transmit the following types of one-way communications:
...
(6) Transmissions necessary to disseminate information bulletins;
--------------

And there is also §97.101 General standards.
...
(d) No amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communication or signal.

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All in all, the rules are pretty vague about who can do what when it comes to broadcasting "bulletins". Would you want the FCC to prohibit all one-way traffic? If not, it's going to be a community issue, and we are at the mercy of the weakest links out there. Fortunately, hams are mostly happy and well adjusted people. Right?
:-) 73, Martin

I've heard this guy even before I was a Ham. And hear him quite often when I try to listen in on the UFO net. I wonder sometimes if the amatuer community would be better served if HE QSY'd up to say 27.555 He can hang out with the rest of the freebanders and be there voice.

If I were you, I'd send copies of the email exchange with K1MAN to Riley Hollingsworth at the FCC (rholling@fcc.gov) along with a cover note explaining what happened and when. Stick to the facts. It may be another piece of evidence that Riley can use to get this lid of the bands.

Glenn Baxter is (you fill in the blank) If I was a US Marshal, I would have hime arrested on charges of threatening a federal official as on his web page he has a picture of him and his pet tiger Layonda withe the caption "We'll both be waiting for Riley when he comes". Does this mean that he will have the tiger attack ANY FCC official that attempts, as a representitive of the fedral government,to inspect his station? That animal looks dangerous and maybe we could get him on charges of illegal animal bording or something.

I think the "K1MAN" bulletins are interesting, sometimes commical, but definately worthy of a little spectrum. In the U.S., an alternate "minority" point of view is always permitted. I may not agree with many things he says, but I'm really glad that he has the right to say them. If I remember right, the frequencies he uses are either on or right next to the frequencies that the ARRL broadcasts use. I don't recall the ARRL changing frequencies to avoid QSO's in progress. And he has a schedule like the ARRL. So what's the big deal? You know he's broadcasting there, you know what times -- if you keep comming back to the same frequency at the same time just so you can be interferred with -- you're the one that's interferring. *doh!*

I would describe a bulletin that a bulletin station might transmit as something timely, current and newsworthy. Most of what I've heard on K1MAN has been old interviews with Wayne Green, conversations with WB2OTK etc. Hardly current and relivant to a bulletin service.
Also a bulletin service shoudn't go on for hours. In 10 or 15 minutes one can provide information on about any time sensitive issue. If more time is needed, the operator could direct listeners to a web page for more information.
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There I've tried the logical approach to the K1MAN thing. Now how do I really feel? His operations are nothing but a zit on the face of radio!

Part of the reason that K1MAN gets away with it is that he is QRMing the AM Window, removing about 1/3 of it from use.
If he did the same thing in SSB mode on 3.795, the rest of the ham community would be up in arms about the problem.

Interesting... Isn't that what happens when a repeater throws out pre-recorded "announcements" over the air?

On January 29, 2002 - Mr. Baxter was told the following by the FCC:

Quote:

"Simply put, to the extent that you start your transmissions on top of ongoing communications of other amateur service stations, you will be engaging in deliberate interference, in violation of Section 97.101 of the Commission's rules. No amateur service frequency is assigned for the exclusive use of any station. Your publishing an intended transmission schedule does not exempt you from that rule."

End Quote

Section 97.113(b) of the Amateur service rules prohibits amateur station from engaging in any form of "broadcasting"

However, Certain one-way transmissions, such as information bulletins, are allowed as specified in the rules.

Interesting is Section 97.109 which explains, only stations specifically designated in Part 97, such as a space, repeater, beacon or auxiliary station, may be controlled automatically.

Note that there is no specific provision in Part 97 that allows an Amateur station transmitting information bulletins to be automatically controlled.

Query:>

Therefore, may we conclude that "announcements" that are thrown out at specific intervals in the middle of, and in most cases during peoples conversations on local repeaters; are in effect the same kind of QRM or "scheduled" transmissions as when W1AW throws the switch on in the middle of someone's QSO on any given HF frequency?

Do these "scheduled" repeater announcements fall under the same catagory as W1AW bulletins?

Well one big difference between W1AW and
K1MAN is W1AW has control ops on duty
when on the air. As I recall that is one of the
beefs the FCC has with Baxter. It seems the
FCC personnel visited the station, on more
than one occasion, when it was
on the air and no one was around. Baxter is
supposed to be providing the FCC with the
control scheme and names of the control ops.
I think he has not been diligent in replying.
Justice is not always swift, but I think it
will come eventually.

73 de Ronnie
PS Another big difference is W1AW Bulletins
are short and to the point and never on more than
a few minutes or so. K1MAN goes on and on and on
and as I understand does call ins and a lotta
stuff besides reading bulletins.

The "Bulletins" are pure fluff, garbage, useless dribble, intentional QRM........It is too bad that the precious (and often too narrow) AM Window is selected as the target frequency for this nonsense.......K1MAN should have had his license revoked when the infamous "no control operator" violation was discovered years ago........If any one of us would have done such a thing, we would be fined or jailed. Somehow this idiot seems to get away with murder. I don't get it.

Useless QRM just occupying bandwidth for no good reason. Someone should suggest he convert his "bulletin" to CW, then those who are trying to
learn or improve their CW skills could have another
source of practice CW........and those who can't copy
CW will not have missed a darn thing.
73

Absolutely not.. what a 24ct. Gold-plated CROCK!
Why the FCC hasn't shut this Bozo down years ago is far beyond me. K1MAN stands as a testament to tolerance, but that's about all. End it, the sooner the better. Just shoot it like the crippled horse it is.

If he wants to badmouth the League, fine. It's his privilege. But he abuses all ham's privileges with his broadcasts on the spectrum shared by all hams, spectrum which is NOT authorized for broadcasts.

Yes, W1AW broadcasts, but does so to provide useful info to the community, not to pursue a personal vendetta or for commercial gain.

Never having heard them I can't say too much about the bulletins. I looked up K1MAN on QRZ.com and linked to the website. I have to say these guys have big EGO'S and sometimes wonder if its just to get their names in the print media that keeps them going. Some of the operations seem close to illegal if nothing else. Maybe there is benefit to these communities but it makes you wonder what the real agenda is.

Just what this jerk needs. A thread all about him and his one way transmissions. When was the last time this" MAN "had a QSO with another station? He does not need any kind of publicity good or bad. It just feeds his ego.He is not a real amature. I hear and read about how much everyone is worried about how bad things will get when the code gets dropped.Well bad is here now.

Yes, he has a perfect right to his opinions, and to share it with others, but by broadcasting on the HF bands? No... and this crosses the line from 'bulletin' to broadcasting. Part 97 needs to be tightened up to eliminate 'Voice of America' wannabees of all stripes.
At least, there should be limits on the duration of such bulletins on HF.

I do see a difference between doing this on the HF bands, and doing it on an otherwise dead repeater.
I used to enjoy the RAIN report, and still listen to its descendents. That information is often useful. In this vicinity, the pre-recorded information is used as a set up for a popular local net on a high level repeater.

I have no problem with K1MAN's broadcasts being on the air. I DO have a problem with UN-MANED station operation. You MUST LISTEN BEFORE YOU TRANSMIT! When this guy just flips the switch and dumps on top of an exsisting QSO, he is in violation of part 97 rules.

Well gentleman, if he were in violation, Raliegh Hollingsworth would be more than glad to proscecute him to the fullest extent of the law.. So that speaks of itself. As far as the value of the information he broadcasts, I have heard a lot worse on 75 and the foul language isn't a problem on his transmissions.. Some of the poor quality conversations between some people make me wonder how they got their license. I hope this is still the good old US of A. A country where we still have the "right of free speech" or has this changed too...Why can the ARRL transmit bulletins and no one else can, where does this come up in part 97 of the rules.Is it fair that only one organization has an exception to the rules... where is that written in part 97 of the rules.. Try and think fairly and not just a gut reaction, because one or two people have a vendetta against K1MAN,, Sincerly,, W4WLZ

Just wait until ALL of the no-code 11 meter guys get their HF priveleges. The "Baxter" problem will multiply. They will bring their reverbs and "colorful language" to HF and will make Baxter seem almost intelligent.

I had a conversation with Baxter on 14.275 after one of his broadcasts, and I ask him why he insists on transmitting his bulletins there instaed of up above 14.350 (where very little DX is). He flat-out told me it was to make sure that all hams would know that he (and/or IARN) has complete control of the frequency and can take control of it at any time for emergency communications, drills, broadcasts, etc.... so I ask him, "do you think that amateurs will not give up a frequency for an actual emergency"? He had no intelligent response, but droned on and on about how the IARN used that frequency during some post-earthquake communications in the past so now they kinda own it. What may have started as a genuine interest in organized emergency communications has degenerated into a kind of anti-Hollingsworth, "I gonna broadcast all I want and you can't stop me" on-the-air rivalry. I feel sorry for him, he has real issues that only a professional shrink could help him with.
I'll tell you this... he has no intention of discontinuing these so-called bulletins. So, unless they raid his station, seize his equipment, and send him to prison we are stuck with the QRM...

We used to have a productive net on 3.975 around 10 years ago. Just good conversation and great times enjoying talking to each other. I even put the frequency on my QSL cards as a way to tell folks where they could locate me. Then K1MAN chose our frequency for his broadcasts and ruined it for everybody! I actually heard the voice of someone I know during one of his broadcasts plugging an advertisement for K1MAN! I used to presume my acquaintance was reasonably intelligent and had some respect for him at one time. How does the old saying go? Best to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder if you're an idiot than open your mouth and remove all doubt!

I think all broadcasting, including the ARRL bulletins, should be banned from HF phone. I'm willing to allow CW or RTTY broadcasts as long as they are short in duration and are in response to emergency situations. My opinion!!!!!

They are garbage and a disgrace. But that is not the worst of it. We don't have the right to censor what is said. We can expect that a station be operated in accord with good operating practices - which it is NOT. The broadcasts are intentional QRM that violate every expectation of good operating as defined by our self-imposed rules and those mandated by the FCC.

I am so glad I know code. Dust off your key and get away from this Lid.

I listened last night to the K1MAN station for the first time ever. I must say the broadcast is refreshing and far more diverse and interesting than the American Radio Relay League's (A.R.R.L) bulletins.

The A.R.R.L broadcasts with the attitude, "Since we're the (self-appointed) representatives of Ham Radio, all will listen." Years ago, each time I readied to listen to A.R.R.L. bulletins, never have I heard them ask, "Is the frequency busy?" They've just popped onto the air and sometimes interferring with communications already in progress and that, pay attention to the next part everyone, IS CRIMINAL! Interference whether intentionally or unintentionally caused IS STILL CRIMINAL!

Since A.R.R.L. is still on the air, they've not been cited for interferring because someone paid someone some money. And members who 'blindly' support the A.R.R.L. are just that "BLIND"; a bunch of political zombies.

Finally, nowhere is it written ham radio traffic must be ham radio related. The rules do say "thall shalt not cuss nor make money whilst using ham radio frequencies." So K1MAN, I'm glad wide-thinking folks like you and I exist.

See you'all on 14.070MHz, PSK31 this weekend February 14th through the 16th, 2004.

I myself, want to help improve Amateur Radio and make it enjoyable as possable for myself and other Hams! I see no value in the illegal broadcast. This broadcast is just a EGO trip for someone, and is a waste of that part of the band.

If you go to K1MAN's website, you will find a page that advertises an Amateur Radio Technician Degree in Electronics. For $299.95, you can get a "degree" in electronics from his school. Part of the requirment for you do graduate is that you must "put or have an HF station on the air and make one or more contacts with the AARA Headquarters station".

Isn't that implying that he is getting compensated for operating an amateur radio station, to talk to the "degree" candidate for completion of one of the "graduation" requirements, which is against the law? I assume that the AARA Headquarters station is his station at his home with him or one of his operators.

Also, in order to get your "degree", you must become a life member of the AARA for $35. So, doesn't that mean that you are paying $334.95 for your "degree"?

While I have never heard his "bulletins" or had any problem with them, in my opinion, it sounds like this guy is giving Amateur Radio a bad name.

"He flat-out told me it was to make sure that all hams would know that he (and/or IARN) has complete control of the frequency and can take control of it at any time for emergency communications, drills, broadcasts, etc.... so I ask him, "do you think that amateurs will not give up a frequency for an actual emergency"? He had no intelligent response, but droned on and on about how the IARN used that frequency during some post-earthquake communications in the past so now they kinda own it."

They 'kinda' own it? Toad spit. Where in 47CFR 97 does it say one may lay claim as such?

I've heard the K1MAN bulletins on a few occasions and have found them as interesting and informative as the AMSAT pre-recorded broadcasts on Sunday evenings... not! Although I am into amateur satellite operation, I've found the broadcasts to be boring diatribes that seem to be poor efforts at self-edification. K1MAN is no different. If he wants to offer a service over the air waves, perhaps he should apply for a license in another service, such as the Marine bands, MF bands, or shortwave HF service where public correspondence and "bulletin boards" are encouraged.

Not much of interest, but must say other than
noticing the interference for the last several years
I just tune past the signal. When I have tunned in
much of what I heard belonged on the broadcast
band and not in the ham bands. I really feel the
guy is really making a fool out of himself. Is there
really a K1MAN? What does this guy get out of what he
is doing? How is this operation funded?
tim

I had written a letter to the FCC a few years back to complain about K1MAN & his 1-way broadcasting. I got a response from the FCC & they agreed with me 100%. But he's still up to his old tricks. How does he get away with this ??? This man is a very frustrated ARRL-wanabe. He seems to have way too much time & money & has nothing better to do. I find his so-called bulletins to be more of a nuisance than informative. There seems to be no stopping this sort of thing. His "broadcasts" are useless & the band-space he takes up should be used for 2-way communications only. To answer your question: NO !!!!!!!!!!!!

W4MCO about sums it up. The internet with eHam, ARRL.org, etc, has replaced the need for K1MAN's so called 'broadcasts'. About 3 or 4 years ago at Dayton Hamvention, Riley Hollingsworth gave everyone the impression that something was finally going to be done with Glen Baxter. What happened? Baxter still likes to bash the ARRL with his ego trip. The IARN and the altruism he expouses for the paper orginization is all smoke and mirrors. The ARRL is still the only game in town and K1MAN has out lived his usefulness to ham radio.

With the advent of instant access to information in our media world today there is excuse for broadcasters such a K1MAN and WAØRCR. These are not bulletins.We don't need any information the transmit it is useless drivel that only feeds their ego. What they do is entirely for their own self-consumption.

W1AW Bulletin are just that bulletins. They are short lived. K1MAN and WAØRCR are nothing more than 2 guys that dream of being "real" broadcasters such as VOA or WABC etc.

Hopefully Baxter eats a high fat diet and like others like him will die early.
Bob

K1MAN uses the ARRL bulletins as justification for his own bulletins. FCC should move to stop both. With the internet the need for these fill-in bulletins (in between monthly issues of QST) has dimished. Go to QRZ.com or ARRL.org, and get the latest without broadcasting going on by K1MAN, or W1AW.

"I just renewed my ARRL membership. I guess that just cancelled out YOUR vote"

Actually, it doesn't.
ARRL is still down one member. Moreover, Net-net, ARRL is LOOSING memberships at such a rate, they won't even divulge the numbers. Don't think so?
Look at the E ham survey, it shows:

14% of members will NOT renew.
4% of NON-members will join.

That is a MORE THEN THREE TO ONE MARGIN.
THAT'S A NET LOSS OF 10%. So according to your own logic, people that agree with me OVERWHELMINGLY cancell out you by a factor of more than three to one!

Since the ARRL does'nt bother to print alot of contest results in their magazine anymore nor the "Section News" as well, why do they need to waste spectrum space broadcasting anything on HF??? You're correct in stating that that is the purpose of their Website to instantly disceminate pertinent Amateur Radio news. And I might add that the primary reason for eliminating the Contest results and section news is for the express purpose of garnering more revenues for the ARRL. Of course Mr. Haynie or one of his lackies might dispute that, but all that you have to do is peruse thru the magazine and there's sure-in-the -Hell alot more advertisements than there are construction projects and besides the vast majority of today's New HAMS don't give a "Tinker's Damn" about construction projects let's face it!!!

73,

Jim

PS, To preempt any detractors posting later on "Yes I still build individual electronics projects, but not as often as when I was a younger Ham since parts procurement for various projects can be a real Bugger!!! :-)))

We need Baxters useless drivel on the air as much as we need hundreds of new novices with no clue polluting the bands with nonsense. As long as the ARRL is allowed to broadcast, then K1MAN also has the right to broadcast. Why doesnt the FCC get with the program and take BOTH of these broadcasters off the air? Broadcasting belongs on bands allocated for it, NOT amateur radio bands!

The guy is a nut case, whaddya want? But I've seen him at Dayton before and he's real quiet in person. (But he does exist!) So, yeah to say he has ego issues is an understatement.

I hope the FCC does eventually succeed in revoking his license.

On the other hand, I've never been a big fan of W1AW either. Code practice I guess is okay, but the on-air bulletins are not really that important any more..

OT, I feel sorry for the ARRL lately. No matter which direction on the "morse issue" they go, both sides hate them...

It all isn't going to matter since BPL will be shoved down our throats and there is nothing we can do to stop the FCC from promoting it. Maybe Glenn's signal will be the only thing strong enough to hear on 20m in a year or two...........

when I said it is a good one I was talking about
wb8ymv joke not k1man,I don't listen up there.
but I thing that if every ham would start to
do thing like that it wouldn,t be good for
ham radio,we already have so much info everywhere
but if some peoples like it I respect it.
but who gonna make sure it will be done the
right way without descrimination or anything
else you might thing of,without hurting others
peoples,we already have problemes in school
and others places and there are very nice
and qualified peoples to take care of those
problemes,but if everybody can promote their
own interests the way they want is it safe
all the time ???.73 rino

The K1MAN bulletins are of no value to me---as I do not listen to them. At the same time I also do not listen to the W1AW bulletins that seem to be everywhere & I also do not listen to the WA0RCR bulletin station. The bands are filled with one-way type transmissions, so to single out K1MAN is a waste of time IMO. Accept it & turn the dial.

I received a solicitation in the US mail in late 2000 or early 2001 from his supposed "organization." Looking at the enclosed letter, I think a newcomer to ham radio might confuse it with the ARRL.

I tossed it in the trash, but I should have handed it over to the VA Atty General's Consumer Affairs office. I'd recommend that others that receive such credit card offers forward them to the authorities.

I'm just wondering when the regulations were changed to permit BROADCASTING on the ham bands. I believe communications had to be between stations.

BTW, I'm just making an observation here, I'm not trying to begin an argument. I know that the 'between stations' rule is hardly enforced, but I'd like to believe that is because most hams observe those regs.

Funny how W9HWE constantly and proud of it runs down the ARRL but looking at his licensing files at the FCC it appears he upgraded from many years as a "mere" Technician to General at about the same time the ARRL's proposal to "dumb-down" the cw requirment was installed by the FCC. Is this a coincidence?

Heck you'd think he'd be more grateful to the ARRL for the opportunity to become a General Class. Might never have accomplished it otherwise :)

I must say that this is a very interesting topic and I'm glad that someone brought it up.

Legitimate ham radio news programs are available via the telephone and via streaming audio on the net. I call Newsline, Rain Report, and ARRL AudioNews every week, usually when I'm on the road and I sit back and listen to them on the speaker phone as I'm driving. All three are professionally done, they are interesting, and without exception of interest to most radio amateurs. If they were broadcast over HF radio I wouldn't compain.

Yet, they are not broadcasted by those that produce them. Clearly these people are interested in providing a very good quality service to the amateur radio service and aren't interested in becoming broadcasters or hearing themselves talk over HF radio.

I have looked at Baxter's web site and as others have said in this forum, it appears as though it was done by a high school volunteer in his/her spare time. The graphics are silly, the layout is poor, and the pictures have been compressed to the point where they are almost unrecognizable.

I have tried to listen to Baxter on 75 meter AM but despite a carrier better than 40db over S9, due to the low audio the signal to noise ratio was so poor that it made for difficult listening. It's true that with AM the majority of the power goes into the carrier but Mr. Baxter should realize that at least SOME of the power should go into each sideband.

What I heard was pretty dull stuff, he was mulling the fact that he was going to honor peoples requests to not be aired if they call in on his call in line. Hardly a matter of interest to most radio amateurs.

My questions to the group are as follows....

Do we still need the ability to broadcast bulletins in any form?

Should we restrict bulletins to narrow modes on HF? Digital and CW?

Should we restrict bulletins to above 50 mHz?

Should we restrict bulletins to only bulletins having to do with the fcc declaring frequency ranges temporarily for emergency use?

Should we put a strict timelimit on bulletins?

Are bulletins even needed in this day of internet and virtually free long distance?

Clearly Baxter has pushed the one way bulletin allowance a lot further than it was every intended to go and it may be time for reform.

It seems to me that a bulletin length of 5 to 10 minutes once a day per band would be more than adequate.

Truthfully, over the air I'd rather listen to the bulletins on cw or read them on the computer screen when they are sent in ascii or baudot.

Getting them in Email is convenient and I like the qrm free telephone calls to the big three as well.

Broadcasting the bulletins, besides causing qrm also means that I have to listen to them when they are being broadcasted. I don't want to do that, I want to listen to them when I want to listen to them. The internet and telephone services allow that.

Getting the bulletins via packet is just as good as over the internet, it's on my time schedule rather than someone elses.

I say that an NPRM should be proposed to immediately limit the length of hf phone bulletins down to about 5 to 10 minutes, once per day, once per band. That should solve the K1MAN problem.

If K1MAN wants to throw his hat into the legitimate ham radio program ring, record it, make it available via the telephone and streaming audio and see who calls.

Trying to hold the frequency is rediculous. People will relinquish a frequency for emergency traffic. What's the problem?

Below are the rules that I thought were relevant. If I missed any, please let me know.

Assuming we had a panel of 12 jurors who had to look at the content of the broadcasts and the manner and frequency and judge if they are in rule compliance or not, here are the rules that they would have to look at.

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(b) In addition to one-way transmissions specifically authorized elsewhere in this Part, an amateur station may transmit the following types of one-way communications:

25) Information bulletin. A message directed only to amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of direct interest to the amateur service.

I believe that an unbiased jury is likely to find much of his content to not be of interest to the ARS and therefore not in compliance with the above rule.

(a) No amateur station shall transmit:

(non relevent material deleted)

(5) Communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services.

A talk show, where people call in on the telephone and are broadcasted over the radio and on a regular basis should be in the am or fm broadcast band or on the internet. I think that an unbiased jury would find him in violation of this rule. If he stopped transmitting nd allowed others to join in using their own equipment, that would be a different story, you'd then have a net. What you have now is a talk show that should be on a commercial radio station.

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(d) No amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communication or signal.

Most of the phone bands are quite busy, it is hard to understand how plopping down on a frequency that you know is most likely in use is not willfull and malicious interference.

How does the ARRL get away with it? Is there an exception for them? Does the fcc look the other way? s it because the bulletins are brief and published ahead of time?

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(a) In all respects not specifically covered by FCC Rules each amateur station must be operated in accordance with good engineering and good amateur practice.

Using AM on 75 meters, using twice the amount of spectrum to broadcast what amounts to a commercial radio program can hardly be construed as good amateur practice.

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Why did the FCC say in writing that his broadcasts are legal? I suspect because they didn't really look into the broadcasts and their contents and the frequency of the broadcasts. I think that a close examination will show that reasonable and unbiased people would find him afoul of the rules quoted above.

Mind you, the ARRL would be in violation of at least one but we aren't talking about them.

To see this still going on is hilarious. OK, the guy has his views, many people seem to disagree. So, let him do his thing and be done with it. The more we argue back and forth, the more we give him all this publicity.

Regarding getting rid of him - that is an incredibly slippery slope. Yes, we don't want a lot of people just doing 30 minute programs bashing the ARRL and occupying plenty of spectrum. However, to say that a self appointed organization like the ARRL should be the only outfit to disseminate info is a great communist statement!!!

There aren't a lot of people doing such a thing - let it be. Our club repeater airs both ARRL Audio News and now Amateur Radio Newsline - they both coexist just fine.

As I write this comment, K1MAN has once again started his "bulletin" on 14.275. Using the threat of Hurricane Ivan he is begging for funds. My question is this: just what does this guy have on the FCC? Why is he allowed to thumb his nose at the commision and get away with it? Corruption, bribes, threats, blackmail, what? Why has one ham in Maine brought the FCC to it's knees?

Hello, Just a quick line.. I heard last week on about 1.860Mhz an AM station broadcasting same information that K1MAN does but seemed to be coming from the MID WEST. Please contact me via Email if you feel like you want to communicate more

Bernie, experienced the same thing on 160 meters, I cannot say for sure it was K1MAN, rather think was some station from the MID-WEST. Didn't take time to listen except to monitor stations complaining that they were QRM'd because the station just popped up and began transmitting. I don't remember the frequency but will log it the next time I hear the station. Please comment via wa4fki@nc.rr.com

NO HIS BULLETINS ARE NOT USEFUL. just BLATENT WILLFUL INERFERANCE to all A.R.S. ON or nearby his so called FREQ. lets just CAN HIM OFF THE AIR WITH a class ACTION PETITION. action= KICK 1 MAN OFF THE AIR FOR GOOD.

YES I DO THINK THAT K1MAN BULLITINS ARE VERY USEFULL, THEY GIVE OUT INFORMATION AND TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT NO OTHER PERSON OR PERSONS, WOULD EVEN THINK ABOUT SAYING,I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO K1MAN EVER SINCE I FIRST GOT MY SHORTWAVE RECIEVER BACK IN 1997.
WHY DONT THESE GUYS JUST LEAVE K1MAN ALONE AND WORRY ABOUT THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE, LIKE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
WAY TO GO K1MAN,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

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